Best Crate for a German Shepherd Puppy (2026): What Size + 6 Picks
What size crate a German Shepherd puppy needs (42 or 48 in), why to use a divider, and 6 crates compared for a fast-growing pup.
We compare published specs, manufacturer information and patterns in owner feedback. We haven't physically tested these products; if we ever do, the guide will say exactly what we tested.
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German Shepherd puppies grow fast. The tiny puppy you bring home at eight weeks will usually be a 50–90 lb dog within a year or two — and the crate you buy on day one should fit that adult dog. The trick is a divider panel, which keeps the space puppy-sized while they’re small.
This guide covers what size to buy, how to set it up for a growing puppy, and six crates worth considering, from standard wire crates to heavy-duty options for escape artists.
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Not sure about the size? Use our free dog crate size calculator — enter your dog’s length and weight, or an expected adult weight for a puppy.
What size crate for a German Shepherd?
The breed standard puts adult males at about 24–26 inches at the shoulder and females at about 22–24 inches. In practice:
| Dog | Crate size |
|---|---|
| Most adult females | 42 in |
| Most adult males, long-bodied dogs | 48 in |
| Very large males | 48 in — check the crate’s height so they can stand with their head up |
Measure your grown dog from nose to the base of the tail and add 2–4 inches; the crate should also be tall enough for them to stand without crouching. For a puppy, buy for the expected adult size — ask your breeder or vet if you’re unsure.
Quick picks
| Crate | Best for | Type | Where to buy |
|---|---|---|---|
| MidWest iCrate Double Door | Most German Shepherd puppies | Wire, divider included | Check price |
| MidWest Life Stages Double Door | A sturdier wire crate | Heavier-gauge wire, divider included | Check price |
| Amazon Basics Double-Door Folding Crate | Budget | Wire, divider included | Check price |
| EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate | Easiest to fold; calm adults and travel | Soft-sided, folding | Check price |
| ProSelect Empire (Large) | Escape artists and strong dogs | Heavy-duty steel | Check price |
| Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel | Car and air travel | Plastic kennel | Check price |
The 6 best crates for German Shepherd puppies
Best for most puppies
MidWest iCrate Double Door
The default choice for a reason: a folding wire crate in sizes up to 48 inches, with a divider panel included, two doors so you can position it anywhere, and a plastic tray that slides out for cleaning. Buy the adult size and move the divider as your puppy grows.
Pros
- Divider panel included — one crate from puppy to adult
- Folds flat for storage and moving
- Two doors give flexible placement
Cons
- Lighter wire than heavy-duty crates — a determined adult escape artist can bend it
- Rattles a little when a big dog moves around
A sturdier wire crate
MidWest Life Stages Double Door
MidWest’s sturdier line: heavier wire, extra latches and a divider panel, in 42 and 48 inch sizes. A good step up for a strong, active German Shepherd.
Pros
- Sturdier construction than basic wire crates
- Divider included
- Multiple latches per door
Cons
- Heavier to move
- Costs more than the iCrate
Budget pick
Amazon Basics Double-Door Folding Crate
A no-frills folding wire crate with two doors and a removable tray. Check the listing for the size you want: many versions include a divider panel.
Pros
- Low price
- Folds flat; easy to set up
- Removable plastic tray
Cons
- Lighter build than premium crates
- Divider inclusion varies by version — check before buying
Easiest to fold (calm adults, travel)
EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate
A soft-sided crate that folds flat in seconds and comes with a bed and a carrying bag, plus a 2-year warranty. Three doors make it easy to place anywhere. It’s for a calm, already crate-trained adult (at home, in hotels, at a friend’s house), not a teething puppy.
Pros
- Folds flat quickly; carrying bag included
- Three doors for flexible placement
- Bed included; 2-year warranty
Cons
- Not for puppies in training, chewers or escape artists: fabric can be chewed or pushed out
- Largest size is 42 inches; big males may need a 48-inch wire crate
- Choose the 42-inch size for an adult Shepherd
For escape artists and strong dogs
ProSelect Empire (Large)
Some German Shepherds bend wire bars or chew through plastic. The Empire is built to contain powerful dogs: 20-gauge steel reinforced with half-inch steel tubing, dual door latches and heavy-duty welding at stress points. The Large is about 42.3 × 30.8 × 41.3 inches outside. It’s an adult purchase: start a puppy in a wire crate with a divider, and move up only if your dog escapes or destroys it.
Pros
- Heavy-duty steel tubing and dual latches
- Built specifically for powerful dogs
- Tall enough for a big Shepherd to stand
Cons
- Heavy and expensive; not a travel crate
- May be sold by third-party sellers: check the seller and delivery date
- Overkill for a dog that’s happy in a wire crate
For car and air travel
Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel
A classic plastic kennel with ventilation on all sides. Many airlines’ cargo rules are built around this style of kennel; check your airline’s exact requirements before you fly. For a growing puppy, it’s a travel crate — not usually the main crate at home.
Pros
- Enclosed, den-like feel
- Sturdy for car travel
- Widely used for air travel
Cons
- No divider; you’ll outgrow small sizes
- Less ventilation and visibility than wire
- Bulky to store
How to set up a crate for a growing German Shepherd
Use the divider
Set the divider so your puppy can stand, turn around and lie down stretched out — but not much more. Move it back every few weeks as they grow.
Make it comfortable, not a bed buffet
Young puppies often chew bedding. Start with a durable mat or a towel you don’t mind losing, and move up to a proper bed once your puppy stops shredding.
Keep crate time reasonable
A crate is a safe place to rest, not a place to spend the whole day. Young puppies need frequent potty breaks, exercise and company. Ask your vet or a trainer how long your puppy can comfortably stay crated at each age.
Make it a good place
Feed meals in the crate, give a safe chew toy, and never use it as punishment. Most puppies learn to treat a crate as their den with short, positive sessions.
Bottom line
- Most German Shepherd puppies: MidWest iCrate Double Door, adult size, with the divider.
- Strong, active dogs: MidWest Life Stages.
- Budget: Amazon Basics Double-Door.
- Escape artists (adults): ProSelect Empire (Large).
- Easiest to fold for calm adults and trips: EliteField 3-Door Soft Crate (42”).
- Travel: Petmate Ultra Vari Kennel.
See 48-inch crates with dividers on Amazon →
Frequently asked questions
What size crate does a German Shepherd puppy need?
Buy the crate for the adult dog: most adult German Shepherds need a 42 or 48 inch crate, and 48 inches is the safer choice for males and long-bodied dogs. Use a divider panel to make the space smaller while the puppy is young.
Should I buy a puppy crate and then a bigger one later?
You can, but most owners save money by buying one adult-size wire crate with a divider. German Shepherds grow quickly, so a small puppy crate is often outgrown within months.
Why does a German Shepherd puppy need a divider?
Puppies generally avoid soiling where they sleep. In a crate that’s far too big, a puppy can sleep at one end and use the other as a toilet, which slows house-training.
Wire or plastic crate for a German Shepherd puppy?
A wire crate with a divider is the most practical for home and house-training. Plastic kennels are good for travel but rarely include a divider.
German Shepherd owner? Start with our German Shepherd gear guide: crate, bed, harness, shedding and toys in one place.
Related: Dog Crate Size Guide · Elevated Dog Bowls for Large Breeds · Best Dog Beds for German Shepherds · Best Harness for German Shepherds · New Puppy Checklist · Puppy Cost Calculator · German Shepherd Shedding: Brushes & Routine
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